Description
At its core, the Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad is a plant-based side dish that combines curly kale and green cabbage with a light apple cider vinaigrette. It is topped off with salted, crunchy almonds to provide a contrast in texture. Unlike many salads that can feel limp or soggy, this one is designed to be hearty.
Ingredients
Scale
For the salad:
- 4 cups curly kale (stems removed, chopped)
- 1 cup green cabbage (thinly sliced)
- ¼–½ cup roasted almonds (salted or lightly sweetened)
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the kale
Wash and dry the kale well. Remove tough stems and chop into bite-sized pieces. - Massage the kale
Add a tiny drizzle of olive oil and massage the kale with your hands for 1–2 minutes until it softens and darkens. This step makes a big difference. - Make the dressing
Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine kale and cabbage. Pour dressing over and toss well. - Add crunch
Top with roasted almonds right before serving.
Notes
This easy copycat of the Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad brings the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, and slightly sweet flavors right to your kitchen. It’s a quick, wholesome side that pairs well with almost anything—or even works as a light meal on its own!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
Keywords: Copycat Kale Crunch Salad, Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe, Homemade Kale and Cabbage Salad, Fast Food Kale Salad Clone